Dr. John Clarke (1609–1676) was a leader in American political and religious history. John Clarke was called a Puritan of Puritans and dedicated himself to eliminating the king's ability to direct the church. Finding it impossible to keep the monarchy out of the church, Clarke decided to leave with his family and go to the New World.

Isaac Backus was born in 1724 to a Congregationalist family. He followed in that tradition and became a member of the congregational church during a time of controversy. The Half-Way Covenant, which allowed people to become members of the church without a salvation testimony, had split the Congregationalists. Backus’ family became convinced of the need for saved membership and joined the “New Light” faction.

ABOUT

Dr. Paul Chappell, pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church and president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California, is the Executive Editor and Publisher of The Baptist Voice—a ministry resource magazine dedicated to helping Christian readers across the globe.

The Baptist Voice began with a burden to offer encouraging and helpful information to fellow servants in the ministry. The first printing was in 1998, and it mailed primarily to the Lancaster Baptist Church family. Today its circulation is world-wide. We praise the Lord for how He is using this publication to help Christians around the world.